Amusement device



amb .15, 1933 J. L. BILLARD AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed May 27, 1957 Linzzard Patented Mar. 15, 1938 l UNITED STAT-ES PATENT-l OFFICE l p 2,111,179 AMUSEMENT DEVICE .mmsV Lynn Dillard, caressait. Mex. v l "Application May 27, 1937, seriarNo. 145,101

z'olaims. (o1. ie- 36)A This invention relates'to an amusement device, and it is primarily an object of the invention to provide apdevice of this kind including a rotator together with means for mounting such rotator in a manner whereby under certain conditions the same will automatically be caused to rotate.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a deviceof this kind comprising a rotator secured to the intermediate portion of a rubber band or the like, together with means for anchoring the extremities of the band or the like, said means being also adapted for coaction with the rotator to hold the same against revolving.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved amusement device whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpier, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed. 5 In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:-

Figure 1 is a view in perspective illustrating an amusement device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a view in end elevation of the device as herein disclosed the same being compacted but ready for operation;

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation ofthe device as illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken substantially on the line 4 4 of Figure l;

Figure 5 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 1 with the adjacent cover or leaf omitted;

Figure 6 is a detailed View in elevation illustrating another embodiment of my invention;

Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 'I-I of Figure 6.

While my improved device as herein disclosed can be employed with particular advantage in connection with valentines, Christmas cards, 50 birthday greetings, and the like, I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to limit myself to any of these particular or other uses.

In the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, I and 2 denote 55 covers or leaves of desired configuration and dimensions and which have their inner marginal portions integrally connected along 'a line a overlying relation as particularly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

'I'he outer end margins of these covers or leaves I and 2 are provided with the inwardly disposed and obliquely directed slits 3, one of said slits beingA oppositely disposed with respect to the other whereby are provided the tongues 4 for interlocking engagement as illustrated particularly in Figure 3 of the drawing for maintaining the covers or leaves I and 2 in their overlying relation.

Carried by and extending inwardly from the approximate centers of the covers or leaves I and 2 are the anchoring members 5 in the form of staples or otherwise as may be preferred. These members or staples 5 have operatively engaged therewith the extremities of a rubber band 6 and through the central portion of the strands b of this band 6 is anchored a rotator 'L In the accompanying drawing this rotator is shown of a heart design although it is to be understood that this member or element may be of any design preferred.

The rotator is clinched or fixedly secured to the strands b of the rubber band 6 by the wire clips 8 but other means for attachment may be employed. The rotator 'I may be made of any material preferred but preferably of cardboard and in practice with the various parts of the device in the adjustment illustrated in Figure l, the rotator 'I is turned to twist the strands b of the rubber band 6 to the extent desired whereupon the covers or folds I and 2 are brought into overlying relation as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 and the tongues 4 caused to interlock. In this second position of the parts the rotator 1 is held in quiescence but as the covers or leaves I and 2 are opened the strands h will untwist effecting desired revolving movement of the rotator l. This action will continue until the strands IJ` have entirely untwisted and this untwisting action is facilitated by the stretch imposed upon the band 6 as a result of the opening movement of the covers or leaves I and 2.

It is to be noted that the distances between the anchoring members 5 and the dimensions of the rotator 1 are such that when the covers or leaves I and 2 are opened to place the band 6 under tension, no hindrance or obstruction will be oiTered to the revolving of the rotator as the band 6 untwists.

In Figures 6 and 7 I illustrate another way convenience and facility with which it may be g assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modication Without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:-

1. An amusement device comprising twoI leaves constructed and assembled to fold. one upon the other, releasable means for holding said leaves in overlapping relation, a tWistable exible member, means for anchoring the extremities of s aid flexible member to the opposed faces of the leaves, and a rotator carried by said exible member, the anchoring means for the ilexible member and the rotator being so constructed and arranged to allow the rotator to be free for revolving when the leaves areopened to place the twisted member under tension.

2. An amusement device comprising two leaves constructed and assembled to fold one upon the other, a twistable flexible member, means for anchoring the extremities of said flexible member to the opposed faces of the leaves, and a rotator Carried by said exible member, the anchoring means for the exible member and the rotator being so constructed and arranged to allow the rotator to be free for revolving when the leaves are opened to place the twisted member under tension.

JAMES LYNN BILLARD. 

